Vanessa’s POVMy car engine sounded softly beneath me as I drove toward the fashion house, the car radio off, the silence stretching long and tight like thread pulled tight across a needle. I kept replaying Bella’s words in my head. Her comfort to me, her strength, the way she snapped back at those annoying mothers like a lioness defending her pride. But underneath the reassurance, I could still feel it. A fresh burn of humiliation, the way my stomach twisted whenever I pictured someone zooming in on those leaked photos, dissecting my smile, my posture, Liam’s blurred face, and his pure joy.It was everywhere. The blog had gone viral.And not just with strangers. I knew my investors would see it. Our clients. My staff. And worst of all, my son might eventually see it, too. What would I even say if he asked? How could I explain that loving two men at once doesn’t make you a villain, just painfully human?Sensing the silence Harris spoke, breaking my trail of thoughts“Are you okay ma’
Vanessa’s POVThe sky was a mix of blue and grey as I drove into Liam’s school, one hand steady on the wheel of my new car, the other nervously tapping against my thigh. The voices from the radio played faintly in the background, but I wasn’t paying attention. My mind was too full. Of headlines, of whispers, of the way Edward’s jaw had clenched when he read the article, and how Tobias’s calm warning still echoed in my ears.The new body guards Cole and Harris, were also seated in the car. Harris was my body guard and he sat with me in front, while Cole was for Liam and he sat with Liam as well.“Mommy?” Liam asked from the back seat, holding his little backpack with both hands. “Will Aunt Mandi come back soon?”I smiled through the ache in my chest. “Yeah, baby. Maybe in a few weeks. We’ll call her after school, okay?”He nodded and glanced out the window, eyes tired despite his energy. I could tell he was trying to be brave.When I parked, Bella was already standing near the sidewa
Daniel POVA few days have passed since the call I had with Vanessa. I was robbed of spending time with her on Liam’s birthday, the scene changed so quickly, and Edward beat me to it.My mind felt so restless from the silence I endured this period. Was she really serious about her and Edward trying to make things work? How can she forget about me, about our connection, the moments we shared. Even if they weren’t enough, I know they had the power to imprint my presence in her life.My darling princess. My life feels empty without her. It feels like I’m living in autopilot.A loud knock on my office door shoved me out of my thoughts. God. Who could it be? More paper work? More business calls and meetings?Wendy walked in, her heels clicking on the floor as she made her way to my table.Here we fucking go.I was starting to enjoy her absence, the movie set seemed to be her new home these days. The lead actress for a new movie. Her dream, what she always wanted, it would be her big comeb
Vanessa POVMay 13thThe mansion felt too quiet. It wasn’t the same without Mandi and the kids. As an adult I tried to keep it together. The conversation with Tobias in the car replayed in my head all night. I had an another enemy. The one who stood in my way with Edward since day one. The major reason why I pulled away from Edward in the first place. Now she was back and ready to strike me again till I had no fight left in me.In the heat of the conversation with Tobias I seemed confident in fighting back. But in reality I was tired of the back and forth, all I wanted now more than ever, was peace.Liam would be resuming school with his new body guard today. It’s been weeks since he took a break, or a month even? I’ve been trying my best to keep him up to date here at home. His safety is more important to me than anything. The last thing I want is to loose custody of my son. I won’t allow that. Liam was already awake and brushing his teeth when I got to his room. He is more active n
Vanessa POVI hadn’t seen Edward’s older brother proper since before Liam was born, and he looked exactly like Edward, only rougher around the edges, his eyes less guarded, his jaw constantly set like he was holding in secrets. The two brothers were like two halves of a puzzle that never quite fit. But somehow, they always found a way to make it work. The evening came quickly, now it was time for Mandi and the kids to return back to UK. Edward had an emergency meeting so he won’t be following us to the airport. Tobias offered to take his place and accompany us instead.It was already sunset by the time we pulled into JFK Airport. Orange and violet streaks painted the sky like one last performance before darkness fell. The city’s glow softened in the haze, and the hum of departure filled the air. I hated this part, the goodbye. I hated it more than I’d ever admit.The SUV slowed near the departures entrance, and I reached across to grip Mandi’s hand.“You okay?” I asked, even though I
Vanessa POVThe front door clicked behind us, and a quiet settled in the mansion, despite the emotional outburst of the kids towards the news we told them at the outing,they seemed to have come to terms with the fact that things would be the way they were. Liam’s small hand slipped into mine as we stepped into the grand foyer, the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers greeting us like an old friend.“Edward!” Mandi’s voice echoed down the hallway, bright and familiar, as she ushered Gwen and James inside. They all looked exhausted but happy, cheeks flushed from the day’s adventure. The kids went further in, still chatting about the arcade games they’d conquered.Before I could respond, Edward appeared in the doorway between the foyer and living room, standing by a man I recognized immediately, Tobias. Edward’s elder brother. They both looked just as composed as always, though Tobias’s eyes carried a sharper edge.“Vanessa, Mandi,” Edward greeted warmly, a genuine smile lighting his